Jacobs Vehicle Systems Opens First European Factory

BLOOMFIELD, CT, USA – Jacobs Vehicle Systems, a worldwide manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engine retarding and valve actuation systems, recently shipped the company’s first engine brake from its newly opened European facility near the city of Brno in the Czech Republic.

With its headquarters in Bloomfield, CT, and its Suzhou facility in Eastern China, Brno becomes the third production location as Jacobs continues to expand its global capacities.

"Our engineers are working closely with engine manufacturers across Europe, including such brands as DAF, Daimler, Deutz, Renault Trucks, and Volvo,” said Hilko Schmitt, marketing and business development manager for Jacobs. “Thanks to its strategic location in the middle of the continent, Brno represents an ideal base for us. We will be able to respond flexibly to the needs of all of our European partners.”

More than 20 factory operators and support staff are currently employed in the new production plant measuring more than 21,000 square feet. Plans are calling for the eventual annual production of 100,000 engine brakes and additional employees.

“Jacobs Vehicle Systems is the world leader in not only manufacturing engine braking solutions, but also in valve train innovations,” added Schmitt. “We constantly improve our sophisticated products in all aspects. In addition to braking efficiency, we have been focusing on emissions solutions as the next step in our evolution of technologies”.